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Independent Advocacy and Multi-Agency Responses to Domestic Violence

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Domestic Violence

Abstract

This chapter discusses the development of multi-agency responses to domestic violence, and the vital role of the Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA). Amanda Robinson and Joanne Payton examine the strengths and limitations of the ‘risk-led’ approach to multi-agency working, which has dominated domestic violence agency partnerships, particularly for those from the statutory sector. They focus on the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferencing (MARAC) framework, arguing that there is scope for a greater consideration of contextual issues for each domestic violence case considered, resulting in higher levels of responsivity and a more flexible format to the process. They also conclude that a risk-based approach that provides adequately for individuals at all levels of risk and that can effectively identify and respond to risk levels that change over time is ripe for development.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    On October 14, 2014 the Duluth Model’s ‘Coordinated Community Response to Domestic Violence’, a partnership between DAIP and criminal justice agencies of the City of Duluth and St. Louis County, was named the world’s best Domestic Violence policy. Of 25 international nominations, the ‘Duluth Model’ was the only policy to be awarded the Future Policy Gold Award (see www.theduluthmodel.org).

  2. 2.

    In February 2015, Coordinated Action Against Domestic Abuse (CAADA) changed its name to SafeLives, which ‘better reflects our mission to make sure that all families are safe from domestic abuse’ (see http://www.safelives.org.uk/).

  3. 3.

    This determination follows the use of the DASH risk assessment checklist, which involves a structured judgement approach (i.e., scoring of risk factors plus use of professional judgement by practitioners). See Robinson (2010) for an overview of the process.

  4. 4.

    The full guidance and supporting documentation can be found at: www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ph50

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Social Sciences, University of Cardiff, Cardiff, UK

    Amanda Robinson

  2. Fuuse, Caerphilly, UK

    Joanne Payton

Authors
  1. Amanda Robinson
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  2. Joanne Payton
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom

    Sarah Hilder

  2. Dept. Law, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom

    Vanessa Bettinson

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© 2016 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s)

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Robinson, A., Payton, J. (2016). Independent Advocacy and Multi-Agency Responses to Domestic Violence. In: Hilder, S., Bettinson, V. (eds) Domestic Violence. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-52452-2_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-52452-2_12

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  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-137-52451-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-137-52452-2

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